New VA intern welcome

My name is Ivanna Manlapaz, and I am a proud Navy veteran. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of supporting veterans at the Everett Veteran Center through the VA Work-Study program. I am excited to continue this mission at VFW Post 3063. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, motivated by a strong desire to ensure that veterans receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve. I look forward to collaborating with the team at VFW Post 3063 and making a meaningful contribution to our veteran community.

Best regards,
Ivanna Manlapaz

Commander’s Corner: June 2025

As I write my final newsletter commentary as Commander of Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063, I find myself both grateful and hopeful. Thanks to the work of the UW Foster MBA team, I believe we’re standing at the edge of a turning point.

Over the past quarter, this group of six veteran MBA candidates worked closely with our Post to understand what’s working, what’s not, and where we can go from here. Their findings confirmed what many of us have felt: the Post has heart, history, and potential, but without deliberate action, we risk stagnation and failure.

Now is the time to seize the moment.

The recommendations we received weren’t abstract theory. They were grounded in the voices of our members: young and old, new and longtime. They told us we need to modernize our outreach, reimagine our events, and foster a stronger leadership pipeline. Most of all, they reminded us that we cannot wait for “someone else” to do the work. That someone is each of us.

We need members to step up. That doesn’t mean signing up for full-time roles or burning yourself out. It means saying yes…yes to helping organize a single event, yes to mentoring a new member, yes to attending a meeting, or simply bringing a friend. Small actions build momentum, and momentum builds community.

As I pass the torch to Comrade Harold Hamilton, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve done and with great expectations for what’s ahead. Our Post doesn’t need to be what it was in 1965 or 1985. It needs to be what our members and community need it to be today.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to standing alongside you in the next chapter, not as your Commander, but as your comrade.

In comradeship,
Commander Alyson Teeter

UW MBA Veterans present findings

Post 3063 had the honor of hosting a powerful presentation from a team of six incredible veteran MBA candidates from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business on May 22 (video linked here!). Over the past academic quarter, this team has immersed themselves in our Post’s story: listening, learning, and leading a revitalization effort aimed at boosting member engagement and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Through in-depth interviews, member surveys, and benchmarking against peer organizations, the team delivered clear, actionable recommendations to help us reconnect with our mission, energize our programming, and expand our community impact. Their findings highlighted the need for:
– A renewed mission and vision that resonates across generations,
– Stronger onboarding and mentorship for new members,
– A more consistent mix of social, service, and family-friendly events, and
– Expanded partnerships with local veteran and civic organizations.

You can read the full report here.

This work is already helping shape a brighter future for Post 3063, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the full report and how we plan to turn insights into action.

Huge thanks to our partners at the UW Foster Veterans Association and to Audrey Hicks for bridging the connection. This is exactly what collaboration and veteran leadership look like in action!

Commander’s Corner: May 2025

Comrades,

As my term as Commander comes to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve this Post and our veteran community.

We’ve shared moments of impact, connection, and reflection, but I would be remiss if I didn’t also speak from the heart. One of the biggest challenges we continue to face is the need for more hands, more voices, and more members stepping into the work that sustains our mission. This is not a critique: it’s a call. A reminder that the strength of this Post is not in one leader, but in all of us.

Leadership isn’t always about titles, it’s about showing up. Whether it’s helping with events, mentoring younger vets, or simply attending meetings, every action matters.

As I step aside, I’m hopeful that a new wave of energy and engagement will rise. Thank you again for the privilege of serving you. I’m not going far and I’ll be cheering for this team every step of the way.

In comradeship,
Commander Alyson Teeter

Quartermaster’s Update: May 2025

As we near the end of the 2024–2025 term, I want to sincerely thank each of you who has contributed your time and energy to help Post 3063 grow and thrive. Your involvement—big or small—makes a real difference.

I encourage every member to stay engaged and find ways to support our Post’s activities. Even a small contribution of time can have a meaningful impact. Without continued volunteer support, the strength and future of our Post are at risk.

Looking ahead, I’m honored to serve as Quartermaster for the 2025–2026 term. I’m hopeful for a year filled with new energy, enthusiastic participation, and shared progress. Together, we can set and achieve meaningful goals for our community and fellow veterans.

Thank you again for your dedication and comradeship. Let’s keep the momentum going strong into the year ahead.

Quartermaster Joseph Mesa